In Denver, James was stretching on the ice with the rest of his team. In Aspen, Ali was stretching her naked body under soft, warm sheets that covered her on the massage table. Dim, amber-colored lights were all around her, and soft music emanated from tiny speakers in the ceiling. Ali already had her 60 minute facial, which left her skin feeling dewy and amazing. Now, she was about to receive a 60 minute massage, complete with champagne-filled fluted glasses nearby on a small table. She felt a little guilty at first, being pampered wasn’t exactly something she was used to, but two glasses of champagne in, she was starting to seriously get used to it.

There was a gentle knock on the wooden door, then a fit, middle-aged woman entered. Ali lifted her head to see.

“Hi there. Allison Diserelli?”

“That’s me.”

“So glad to welcome you to Remède Luxury Spa.” The woman came closer and smiled sweetly down at Ali under the sheets. “My name is Chloe and it would be my pleasure to assist you in your massage this morning. How has your experience been so far?”

Her voice was as soothing as the music in the room, and Ali felt sleepy just lying there even thought the massage hadn’t even begun yet.

“It’s been amazing, thank you,” she said to Chloe.

“That’s so great to hear. Please let me know as we go along of anything you may want or need, okay?”

“I will.” Ali exhaled heavily, trying to sync her breathing with the slow beat of the music.

“Are there any spots on your body where you are sensitive, hurting, or have recently injured?” Chloe asked.

Ali shook her head. “Not that I know of. I’m a little ticklish near my waist, does that count?”

Chloe laughed. “I’ll try not to tickle you there, but excuse me if I do.”

“No worries.”

Ali smiled and then closed her eyes, hearing Chloe begin to oil up her hands. They were warm to the touch when Chloe lifted back the top half of the sheet and began to work Ali’s arms and shoulders.

James, James, James. You are one smart motherfucker. The feeling was incredible and the scent of whatever oil she was using smelled just as good. She was slowly entering a zone of sensory-overload and loved it.

Losing track of time a little, Ali was startled out of her personal daze when Chloe asked her to flip onto her stomach. With a little effort, she turned over, realizing now that every muscle on the top half of her body felt like Jello.

“Sorry, may I?” Ali asked, lifting a champagne glass from the small table nearby.

“Oh, of course!” Chloe said. “I noticed you had a package with additions; did you want any more chocolates?”

Ali took a long drink from the flute, finishing the last drop in that particular glass. “No thank you” she replied, smiling. “I think I’ll tackle more of those when I have my mani and pedi.”

Chloe helped Ali back under the sheet, which she maneuvered through the entire massage. Ali stuck her head on the little open pillow and felt Chloe’s hands go to her back.

“So a manicure and pedicure as well?” she asked, rubbing her hands in a specific motion over Ali’s shoulder blades. “What a lucky girl. Was this a gift?”

“You could say that.” Ali closed her eyes again as she felt Chloe’s hands go down the length of her back to her waist. “My boyfriend bought it for me as a treat for our anniversary, and also to keep me busy while he’s in Denver.”

“That’s too bad he couldn’t join you.”

He’ll get his full body massage later Ali thought with a smile.

“Does he work in Denver?”

“Just today he does, which I know probably sounds odd” she admitted. “He plays hockey, so he travels a lot. We decided to do our anniversary here, since we met in Colorado.”

Chloe made a clicking sound with her mouth and sighed rather happily. “Wow. It sure sounds like he loves you to treat you to this while he’s away.”

“I’m going to be all pretty and soft and freshly painted for him, so it’s a win-win” Ali said, and they both laughed.

“Well you just continue to relax through these next 25 minutes. Let me see if I can rub out the last of your tension, so you can give this amazing boyfriend of yours all you’ve got when he comes back from Denver.”

“Amen to that.” Ali realized that Chloe fully understood just where her mind had been all along. Even just from the tiny bit of info, Chloe must have known very well that Ali would be returning all sorts of favors later on that night.

* * *

The minute the final horn sounded, James couldn’t wait to get his uniform off. His skates were like dead weights and his padding like a straightjacket. He needed out, and fast. Ali was waiting.

He walked down the runway to the visiting team locker room with the rest of the guys, all of which were buzzing over their victory against the Avalanche. It was almost a carbon copy game of last year’s, when they beat the Avs 4 to 2 on their ice. The feeling was just too damn good, but it wasn’t lost on James how weird a feeling of déjà vu he was having.

They filed into the locker room and James sat heavily down onto the bench in front of his stall. He didn’t even wait for the others to make their way in, nor did he wait for Bylsma to come in and give their usual post-game wrap up speech. He was already stripping off layers of padding and tape wrapped around his legs. By the time Dan and the other coaches arrived and began talking, James had nothing on but his black Under Armour compression shirt and pants. He adjusted on the bench and waited through the words of his coach.

“I know long stretches on the road like this are rough on all of us” Dan said to the group. “But that was the type of performance we’re known for, and the type of performance I wanted to see happen on the 5th of the past 5 games.”

All of the guys clapped and some even hollered. James was busy drinking Gatorade, but gave a quick clap before the noise settled again. Dan raised his hand, making sure he had everyone’s attention.

“Before I dismiss you guys, there’s one final congratulation I need to extend.” He looked right at James and pointed with the rolled up paper he hand in his hand. “Give this man right here a round of applause, gentlemen - tomorrow night he’ll be proposing to his girlfriend.”

A loud, collective gasp echoed through the locker room. Even James’ eyes widened when he heard what Dan said.

“What the fuck?” Sid said this aloud, staring at James with an open mouth. “Really?”

A few others shouted ”Nealer!”, while others just shouted random curse words in utter disbelief. James looked around at all of them just as Geno threw an arm around his shoulders, hugging him.

“You’re kidding though, right?” Fleury asked Dan, his eyes wide with awe.

Dan looked at James and shook his head. “Nope. This is – dare I say – the real deal, folks. Tell him, Neal.”

James looked up at Dan with a bashful grin. Dan gave him a quick nod, showing his pride in James and the decision he’d revealed to him in the weeks leading up to today.

Not quite sure how to react to the public display of well wishes that Dan was giving him, James simply stood and ran a hand through his hair. He shrugged, half laughing at the entire thing.

“I uhh….I would have to say that Coach is not lying, Flower.”

Fleury turned his head from Dan to James. “No shit?”

James nodded, rubbing the stubble around his mouth. “I bought the ring last week, and I’ll be proposing to Allison in Aspen tomorrow night.”

The chorus of congratulations at that moment in the locker room was beyond raucous. James couldn’t believe the amount of support every single man in the room was giving him, considering how foreign this news must have sounded to them. Guys came up to him and shook his hand, half of them still in their padding, the other half undressing and getting ready to shower. James hugged a few of them, like Dupuis and Kunitz, who’d known James’ plan all along. Duper even ruffled up his hair like the big brother James considered him.

Overall, with all the fuss and chirping and congrats that was extended to him, James was humbled. None of the team started getting ready to leave until they’d all come by to congratulate him. Finally, in true Captain fashion, Sid approached James last, giving him a firm handshake.

“I had no idea” Sid said to him.

James studied the look in his eyes. There was only shock, and what almost appeared to be approval.

“Up until a few days ago, I didn’t think I had any idea either, to tell you the truth.” He shrugged as their hands separated. “Just hope she says yes, otherwise you guys will never let me live this down.”

Sid chuckled. “I’m pretty sure Ali will say yes.”

“Hope so.” He watched Sid turn his head a little and crack his neck. It was a nervous habit Sid had, which made James wonder what was coming next.

“Seems as if you owe me, by the way.”

James raised an eyebrow. “Yeah? How so?”

“I believe at one point a few months ago, I had to do some damage control for you.” Sid’s sharp stare was softened by his smile. “I had her call you that night; the night she came over. She was too afraid to call at first, but I said she should do it once she calmed down.”

Trying to think back, James could vaguely recall Ali ringing him and eventually ended up apologizing herself, when it really should have been James doing the apologizing. The whole night was an experience he never, ever, ever wanted to relive in his entire life.

“Seems as though I do owe ya then.” He slapped Sid on the shoulder. “Thanks for, ya know…”

Sid lifted a hand. “Don’t mention it.”

James would always be in competition with Sid, likely until both of their careers in hockey were over and Sid found a steady girl of his own. But some things were sacred, so he kept things like fucking his girlfriend at his ugly sweater party in his house a secret. He kept all the texts he knew he and Ali exchanged a secret, too. This was one of those things James wanted for himself, in addition to Ali.

“Let me know how it turns out, alright?” Sid said. “And good luck.”

“Thanks man.”

James watched Sid head back to his stall. With that being the last congrats he received, James was free. Everyone continued to chirp him (and chirp him hard) while he hung around and got ready for his drive to Aspen. Bylsma even gave him a handshake and wished him luck before he headed out. Just like he had in Phoenix, Dan had called ahead and got him a ride to the nearest rental car facility, where James would pick up a car for himself.

Before they parted, James thanked Dan for everything, especially for his complete understanding of his latest requests, even the ones he asked for around Christmas.

“Just make sure you just hit the back of the net on this one” Bylsma said with a grin. “Although this might be the easiest goal you’ll ever score, if I say so myself.”

James laughed. “Thanks, Coach.”

“Text or call when she says yes.”

He smiled, and then shook his hand one last time. “You know I will.”

* * *

“Where are you?” Ali ran to the windows that overlooked the long driveway that wound up the property and around the side of the house. She couldn’t see any lights.

“Edelweiss Drive? Does that ring a bell?”

Ali gasped. “YES! You’re on the last street before you turn onto ours!” She wheeled around and went to the small red and black plaid rug at the front door where her boots were. “Hang on, I’m coming outside.”

James was laughing as he climbed up the rough, snowy road. “Good thing I got us 4-Wheel drives! Jesus!”

She was hardly paying attention as she frantically unzipped her tall leather boots and shoved her jeans down into them.Why the fuck would I wear this? Where are my damn sneakers? James was still talking as she fumbled with the zippers, finally able to go outside.

Just as she went out, she screamed and started jumping up and down. James was just pulling around the corner, driving an equally large SUV of some sort, only his was red. Ali could see his friendly grin from where she stood, and then carefully crossed over the snow-covered driveway towards his car. The wheels made a crunching noise as it traveled over the snow, coming to a crawl.

“BABE!” Ali cried, beyond excited to see him.

James stepped out of the car and ran towards her. They met in the middle in a giant hug. James took the liberty of lifting Ali off her feet as he hugged her, finally getting a whiff of whatever amazing scent she was wearing. It could’ve been perfume, it could’ve been shampoo; he didn’t care because it was Ali. She was finally in his arms.

“Fuck I’ve missed you” he said, holding her cheeks as he kissed her for the first time in almost ten days. Ali immediately opened her mouth to him, and their lips matched in perfect rhythm as they always did.

“I missed you too” she breathed, looking up at him rather dreamily. She stood on her toes to kiss him again, throwing her arms around his neck this time to keep him pressed close to her. She never wanted to feel his body more than she did right then.

When James pulled his lips from Ali’s, he glanced over at the house next to them. “Holy shit.”

Ali laughed. “See what I mean?” She kissed his cheek as he kept his head turned, staring at the immense house that was all theirs for the next few days.

“I didn’t do too bad, did I?” He felt Ali’s lips trailing down to his neck, which was partially covered by his button-down shirt. He took that as a yes.

“Just wait ‘til you see the inside.”

James saw a bit of lust in her gaze. “You weren’t kidding, were you? You did miss me.”

She sighed. “Watching you on tv just doesn’t cut it.” Her fingers went to the longer pieces of his hair around his ears. A thick panel of stubble wound around his perfect mouth and strong jaw, and all Ali wanted to do was run her tongue over every part of it.

James wouldn’t admit it, in order to avoid sounding like a pussy, but Ali’s hands in his hair felt amazing. He didn’t realize how an act so small could have such a huge impact on him, but this certainly did, and he had missed it. He looked down at her, the chunky white sweater and tight jeans hugging every curve he had missed so much. Her hair fell across her shoulders and down her back, tempting his fingers.

“At least you get to see me on tv. I don’t even get that much.” He took some of her hair in his fingers, feeling its silky length.

“But I sent you pictures!?!?”

“Didn’t count.”

She smiled up at him. “Fine…you’ll get to see every angle of me nonstop while we’re here anyway.”

“Every one, huh…” James smirked at her. The flare of sass in his blue eyes only made Ali smile more.

“Yes. Every single one.” She took his hand in hers. “But first, you have to see this house you booked!”

“Lead the way, babe!”

They didn’t bother getting James’ stuff out of the car, they just went inside. James couldn’t believe his eyes when he first walked in, and Ali wondered if the look that was on his face was similar to what hers had been. She figured it was pretty close.

“So wait, hold up” James said, holding his hands out. He turned to face her, his mouth open in astonishment. “You mean to tell me THIS is OURS the rest of the week?”

“All ours.” Ali stood off to the side of the living room as James walked all around, admiring the architecture, the fireplace, the massive windows…everything Ali found amazing, he thought was great as well. It made her so happy to finally have him there with her. The place already felt homier.

He turned and looked at her again. “This is ours.”

She nodded.

“This whole thing.”

“You booked it, babe.”

James laughed. “I know, but holy FUCK.” He looked over at the logs that were crackling in the fireplace. With a finger, he pointed. “You did this?”

“Took me like an hour, but I got it going!” She looked at him proudly. “In fact, it took exactly two hours less than it would’ve taken you if I had waited until you got here.”

“Oh hardy har har” he joked, hands going to his hips. He looked up at the balcony above. “Please tell me the second floor is as bad ass as this one?”

Ali waved him along and headed for the stairway. “Follow me and alllllll shall be revealed.” She said this with a mystical tone to her voice, causing James to let out a little laugh. As smitten as he was by her goofiness, he was even more smitten by the shape of her perfect ass as he followed her up the stairs. Her hips swayed in a manner that could have easily put him in a trance.

As they came to the second floor, Ali allowed James explore on his own. She quietly followed as he went from room to room. When he got to the second bedroom, he walked over to the large bed frame that was made of polished wooden logs. He put a hand on the edge and gave it a hard shake, noticing it didn’t move one bit. He nodded.

“Sturdy. We’ll fuck here.”

Ali rolled her eyes and smiled. She followed James into the other guest bedroom. He went over to the large vanity table, also made in a log design and complete with an ornate mirror. He gave the table a shake, but it also did not move much. He nodded again.

“We’ll fuck here too.”

“James!”

He was on the move. Ali followed, finally going into the master bedroom. It looked more lived in, since Ali had stayed one night there already. Some of her clothes were laid out, her suitcase was open off to the side of the room, and the bathroom counter contained some of her personal items as well. James inspected the entire room and then the adjoining bathroom.

“Is this the tub?”

Ali smiled. “That’s the one!”

“Nice.” He looked it over with a confident smile. “We’ll also fucking here.”

With a laugh, Ali punched him in the shoulder playfully. “I hope that’s not all you can think about while we’re here!”

He whipped his head around, mouth open in surprise. “As if it’s NOT all that’s on YOUR mind, too!”

She looked away guiltily. “Well….”

“AH! See?” James pulled her into his arms again, rocking her lightly as they stood near the base of the bed. “This is perfect, babe. And I’m not just saying that. I can’t believe how we lucked out.”

“I know….I’ve been saying the same thing since I got here.” She thought about it for a second, her head resting against his strong chest. “Actually, I’ve been saying that since I met you.”

James looked down at her tender gaze. “That you lucked out?”

“That we did.” She leaned forward and gave him a quick peck. “I’d say we’re pretty fucking lucky, don’t you?” When she said this, the blue-green hue of James’ eyes cooled immediately. His face took on that softer look that she considered herself lucky to see on a daily basis.

“Lucky doesn’t describe how I feel since I’ve met you, Allison.”

She leaned her head against his chest again. “Ugh, don’t make me cry.”

James smiled and touched her face gently. “Why? What if I do?” He saw water starting to pool in her lively brown eyes. He had to laugh a little, which made her also laugh.

“Cut it out.”

“But you’re so cute when you get all sappy.”

“Me!?” Ali laughed louder. “You’re the sappy one, babe.”

Maybe I am, he thought. I’ll likely make you cry again on this trip...but I hope they’re tears that look as happy as these ones do right now. He was so glad to be standing there, holding her. It’s all he wanted after the long week he’d had. And now that he was with her, James didn’t intend on thinking about anything outside of what he and Ali were doing during their mini-vacation in the mountains. He wanted to celebrate their one year together, and everything else that the future held for them.

Looking down, he watched Ali smile at him. “What?” he asked.

“Was wondering what you wanted to do first, now that we’re both here?”

“Dinner?”

Ali clapped her hands against his biceps excitedly. “Knew you’d ask that. And guess what?”

“What?” James was enjoying how quickly the tears disappeared and were replaced by her beautiful smile.

“I went shopping and we’ve got fully stocked shelves.”

“No way? You went grocery shopping?” He laughed in amazement. “Is there anything about you that doesn’t surprise or impress the hell out of me?”

Ali took his hand in hers one more time. “I’m taking requests for dinner, too. I’ll cook; you unwind. Tonight’s about making you smile the way you’ve made me smile so far.”

I will marry you, Allison. As God is my witness, you’re mine forever. James thought as he let Ali lead him back downstairs.

* * *